Selective immunosuppression of class II-restricted T cells by MHC class II-binding peptides

Administration of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-binding synthetic peptides can induce selective immunosuppression via different mechanisms of action. In this review four different ways to induce selective immunosuppression by peptide administration will be examined: MHC blockade, T cell receptor (TCR) antagonism, induction of peripheral tolerance, and activation of regulatory cells. These approaches to selective immunosuppression target three types of cells: antigen-presenting cells, antigen-specific T cells, and regulatory T cells. Understanding these forms of immunosuppression will provide new insights in basic immunology and may offer strategies for selective immunointervention in autoimmune diseases, allograft rejection, and allergy.